Manchester City’s defensive woes have deepened as rising star Rico Lewis is set to miss next weekend’s highly anticipated derby against Manchester United.
Rico Lewis to Miss Crucial Manchester Derby Following Red Card at Selhurst Park
The 20-year-old was shown a second yellow card during City’s dramatic 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace on Saturday, earning himself a one-match suspension.
Lewis, who had delivered a moment of brilliance with a stunning equalizer for City late in the game, found his fortunes reversed when referee Rob Jones dismissed him for a late challenge in the dying moments of the match.
His absence for the clash against United at the Etihad Stadium leaves manager Pep Guardiola with even fewer defensive options at a crucial juncture in the season.
The derby comes as both Manchester sides look to find consistency amid contrasting campaigns. City are grappling with a string of defensive injuries, with Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake, and John Stones all sidelined in recent weeks.
Now, Lewis’ suspension adds another layer of complexity to Guardiola’s selection headache, potentially opening the door for young talent Jahmai Simpson-Pusey to step into the limelight.
The timing couldn’t be worse for Guardiola, as the team aims to regain momentum after a mixed run of results.
The draw at Selhurst Park, following a shock defeat to Sporting and a thriller against Feyenoord in the Champions League, has put City under pressure to rediscover their rhythm.
Meanwhile, the absence of key players threatens to test their depth against a United side eager to seize the moment under manager Ruben Amorim.
Despite the setback, Lewis’ red card should not overshadow his remarkable contributions this season. His ability to step up in big moments has been vital for City, and his equalizer against Palace was another reminder of his immense potential.
As City prepare for a midweek trip to Juventus in the Champions League, Guardiola must rally his squad for a defining phase of the season.
All eyes now turn to how City adapt without Lewis in what promises to be a fiery showdown with their neighbors. The stakes couldn’t be higher.
